Nuclear Explosion: What are the Lines Behind the Mushroom Cloud?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the visual phenomena observed in nuclear explosion photographs, specifically the lines or trails that appear to rise from the ground and intersect behind the mushroom cloud. Participants explore the nature of these trails, their duration, and their relationship to the blast wave of the explosion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the presence of lines in nuclear explosion images and questions their nature, duration, and interaction with the blast wave.
  • Another participant asserts that these lines are independent smoke trails and suggests that analyzing their dissipation can provide insights into the blast waves.
  • A third participant refines the previous claim by indicating that the photographs analyzed are taken before the shock wave or wind affects the smoke columns, emphasizing the role of index of refraction in the analysis.
  • A later reply acknowledges a correction regarding terminology, indicating a misunderstanding about the use of "dissipate" and expressing gratitude for additional information about "hooks" in the rocket trails at the shock front.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the smoke trails and their analysis. While some agree on the independent nature of the smoke trails, there is no consensus on the specifics of their interaction with the shock wave or the implications of their analysis.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the timing of the photographs in relation to the shock wave and wind effects, as well as the definitions of terms like "dissipate" and "look." These aspects remain unresolved within the discussion.

rwh
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On some pictures of nuclear explosions there are lines that usually run straight up from the ground. One of the coolest pictures I've seen had these trails originating from each side of the explosion and crossing each other behind the mushroom cloud. So what are these things? How long do they last? And does the blast wave from the explosion dissipate them?
 
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They are independent smoke trails. Analysing how they dissipate gives information on the blast waves.
 
Smoke trails for analyzing atomic-blast index of refraction - a subtle distinction

Gonzolo said:
They are independent smoke trails. Analysing how they dissipate gives information on the blast waves.
This is not quite correct. The photographs that are analyzed are taken before either the shock wave or wind reaches the smoke columns. What is analyzed is the refraction error created by viewing the yet-unaffected smoke columns through the shock circle:
http://www.vce.com/atomictrails.html

--
The progress of the shockwave was then followed by observing the "hooks" in the rocket trails at the shock front. These hooks are due to the change in the index of refraction of the air at the shock front.
--
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Gonzolo said:
They are independent smoke trails. Analysing how they dissipate gives information on the blast waves.

My post should have the word "dissipate" replaced by "look". Never knew about the so-called hooks. Thanks for the link.
 

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